Poivre de Penja has become the first protected geographical indication (PGI) from the OAPI region to be registered in the EU.

Poivre de Penja is a peppercorn from Cameroon known for its unique seasoning qualities and lingering flavours. It is the second GI from Africa to be protected in the EU.

The EU PGI for Poivre de Penja was registered on 17 March, following a 17-month application process. The EU-funded AfrIPI project and OAPI helped the Poivre de Penja Producers Association to meet the conditions required for registration.

The EU delegation to Cameroon held an event to present the GI certificate to representatives of the Association on 22 March.

Non-EU GIs

The first GI from Africa to be registered in the EU was Rooibos (Red Bush) tea from South Africa, which achieved protected designation of origin (PDO) status in May last year.

According to the eAmbrosia database, there are 223 non-EU GIs registered, although many of these are UK registrations that were carried over after Brexit and Chinese GIs protected as part of the EU-China agreement that entered into force in March 2021.

Other GIs registered recently include Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka (PGI), Demerara Rum from Guyana (GI) and Willamette Valley wine from the United States (PGI).

Learn more about geographical indications on the MARQUES GI Team page (MARQUES log-in required for full access).

Image taken from EUR-Lex